Mr. Seward to Lord Lyons.
My Lord: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 9th instant, relative to a quantity of coal taken from Angra Pequena by the United States steamer Vanderbilt, which coal is claimed as the property of Messrs. William Anderson Saxon & Co., British merchants.
Upon inquiry at the Navy Department it has been ascertained that the Vanderbilt did take on board a quantity of coal at the place, which, as it had notoriously been sent thither to supply the insurgent steamer Alabama, there was every reason to suppose was insurgent property. If, however, the claimants will show that it was sent for a different purpose, and that, in point of fact, it was their property, a fair price will be paid for the article.
I have the honor to be, my lord, your very obedient servant),
Right Hon. Lord Lyons, &c., &c., &c.